Shrewsbury meadowland 'may be fenced off to public' if housing doesn't go ahead

FCC Environment have put forward plans for 52 homes on land off Mousecroft Lane, which has been met with criticism from nearby residents, Shropshire Wildlife Trust and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England.

Radbrook Fields has long been a favourite spot with dog walkers, anglers and families enjoying a day out.

But the developers have said antisocial behaviour and trespassing on the land may force them to fence it off in the future.

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• Shrewsbury housing development would have 'serious impact' on area

A spokesman for FCC Environment said: "If the development is approved, developer contributions will ensure long term public access to the majority of the site, whereas refusal of the application may necessitate increased fencing to prevent unauthorised access to the site.

"Sadly, escalating trespass and antisocial behaviour, including damage to wildlife habitat has created a health and safety concern for FCC."

The company's landholding extends to 12 hectares and the residential development is restricted to 1.75 hectares.

"The vast majority of the remaining area has been proposed as public open space," the spokesman said.

Access

"Only 52 houses have been proposed with a new access from Mousecroft Lane, proposed highway improvements include carriageway widening, traffic calming and provision of a continuous footway.

"Pedestrian and cycle routes are integral to the proposals and will ensure access to the proposed extensive public open space."

FCC Environment met with Shropshire Council planning officers on Monday and said it will respond to comments once highways officers have responded to the application.

The spokesman added: "There is an acknowledged housing shortfall in the areas surrounding Shrewsbury. This housing development will go some way to addressing the lack of housing in a sustainable location, while at the same time providing a large area of public open space, which otherwise will be restricted to public access."

Shropshire Wildlife Trust responded to the plans earlier this month and said it is "deeply concerned" that it will destroy a wildlife habitat in the heart of the town.

The outline planning application is being considered by Shropshire Council and a decision is expected later this year.